8/14/17

Randolph-Macon College has again been ranked one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review, which features R-MC in the 2018 edition of its flagship college guide, “The Best 382 Colleges.”

The Princeton Review, which describes R-MC as “a solid liberal arts college,” includes a two-page profile of Randolph-Macon that highlights academics, campus life, attributes of the student body, and admissions and financial aid information. The profile is based primarily on surveys with students and highlights their responses.

R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren says, “It is an honor to be included in ‘The Best 382 Colleges.’ Randolph-Macon College prides itself on offering students a challenging, dynamic education in a community-centered atmosphere. Our outstanding faculty and staff provide students with a truly distinctive and well-rounded education that creates lifelong learners. We are very proud to be included in this Princeton Review publication.”

Enriching Environment + Personal Connections
The profile in “The Best 382 Colleges” quotes students about the many ways that R-MC provides an enriching environment for living and learning. The “Students Say” section includes student quotes on how Randolph-Macon puts the needs of the student first and focuses on student growth and leadership development both inside and outside the classroom. Generous financial aid and study-abroad opportunities are just two of the resources that students say are important facets of the R-MC experience.

Students surveyed said the possibility of “personal connections” is one of the main reasons for choosing Randolph-Macon, which “is all about the one-on-one interactions between the entire community.”

“I love the small class sizes here; my largest class has 18 students in it, which makes it easy to get extra help and ask questions,” says a freshman. The “very personable” professors are “extremely helpful and are willing to meet with you if you want to go over material.” Professors “bring their dogs to class, have class outside, invite students over for dinner and supply us with the resources to succeed.”

Thinking Outside the Classroom
Students praised the many different opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom, such as study abroad, January Term (J-term), campus jobs, The Edge career preparation program, and tailor-made internships. The “challenging but rewarding academic environment” also allows for students to conduct and publish research through the college’s SURF (Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship) program. In addition, R-MC’s alumni network and staff are “truly interested in your success and are more than helpful when it comes to résumés, cover letters, internships, and anything related to the business professional world.”

Always Something to Do
Students at Randolph-Macon can engage in a wide variety of campus activities, including Greek Life, athletics, intramurals, choir, and leadership organizations.

“Virtually everyone is involved,” said a survey participant. Other testimonials include: “Many of the clubs are given a grant, so all of the events and trips you go on are free,” “It is impossible to not be involved in something here,” and “If you are bored here, it is your own fault.” There are college-sponsored activities held every weekend, such as “ice cream socials, crafting, performances, comedians, etc.”

Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges, plus two colleges outside the U.S., are profiled in the book, one of The Princeton Review’s most popular guides.